No Glory for Gunners: Arsenal End Season Empty-Handed
Arsenal’s long wait for silverware will stretch into another season after they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the semi-final stage last night, losing 2-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg in Paris. The result sealed a 3-1 aggregate defeat, ending the Gunners’ European dream and confirming yet another trophyless campaign.
Goals from Fabián Ruiz in the 27th minute and Achraf Hakimi in the 72nd minute gave PSG control of the match before Bukayo Saka pulled one back for Arsenal just four minutes later. Despite the late spark, it wasn’t enough to ignite a comeback as Mikel Arteta’s side bowed out of the competition.
“We gave everything, but it just wasn’t enough,” said a visibly disappointed Arteta after the match. “The players are hurting, and so are we all. It’s a tough pill to swallow.”
Arsenal entered the semi-final second leg trailing 1-0 from the first leg in London. While hopes were high for a turnaround, PSG’s experience and clinical finishing proved decisive. The French giants now head to the Champions League final, while Arsenal are left to reflect on what could have been.
The elimination adds to a frustrating season for Arsenal fans. The North London club are currently second in the Premier League, trailing behind Liverpool FC with three round of fixtures remaining. Barring an unlikely final-day slip-up from the reigning champions, Arsenal are poised to finish runners-up once again — a repeat of last season’s outcome.
For a team that has shown glimpses of brilliance throughout the season, including a strong Champions League run and a solid domestic campaign, the absence of silverware will sting. Arsenal have not lifted a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, and pressure continues to mount on the club’s leadership to convert potential into tangible success.
“We’ve made progress, but we’re not here to just compete — we’re here to win,” said captain Martin Ødegaard. “We’ll regroup and come back stronger.”
Arsenal now face a familiar summer of questions, with fans and pundits alike asking what’s missing from a squad that continues to fall just short.
